MLB Player News

Assad averaged 94.4 mph with his fastball today, which is up 2.2 mph from last year and 2.9 mph from when he started 29 games for the Cubs two years ago. It was just a one-day thing, either, as he was at 94.1 mph in his two spring outings. Assad has always been effective for the Cubs in spite of mediocre peripherals — he has a career 3.43 ERA with a 4.46 FIP, a 4.68 SIERA and a 4.76 xERA — and if the extra velocity sticks around, there’s a good chance he’ll be helpful again. It would just probably be as a middle reliever initially.

Hoffman, 28, pitched decently during Grapefruit League action — posting a 4.91 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 10/1 K/BB ratio over 7 1/3 innings. While it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot in the Phillies’ bullpen, it likely positions himself well to be one of the first players to get an opportunity once injury or ineffectiveness eventually strike.

That would line up Aaron Nola to pitch in the finals against the winner of the United States and the Dominican Republic should Italy’s magical run continue. Lorenzen was exceptional his last time out against Team USA, hurling 4 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball. He’ll be opposed by Keider Montero for Venezuela.

The 26-year-old hurler is still recovering from the ACL tear in his knee that he suffered last July. He has been able to build up his arm strength this spring, but is still limited when it comes to fielding his position. No timeline yet on when exactly he may be ready to join the Cardinals.

It’s the first time that Lindor has been in the lineup on the big league side since undergoing hamate bone surgery on his left wrist. He’ll get as many at-bats as possible over the next week and a half and barring any setbacks it sounds like he should be good to go in time for Opening Day.

The 25-year-old shortstop sustained the injury as he dove headfirst into home plate during Saturday’s Cactus League affair. Fortunately, it sounds like he was able to avoid any significant injury. Neto noted that he’s grateful that he “dodged a bullet” and said that he learned a lesson about sliding headfirst. It sounds like fantasy managers and Angels’ fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

No real surprises among this duo, as both would have needed exceptionally strong springs to push for inclusion in the club’s Opening Day bullpen. Willingham was lit up during Grapefruit League play, posting a 10.50 ERA, 2.17 WHIP and a 10/4 K/BB ratio across six innings.

The 32-year-old right-hander struggled during Cactus League play, registering a 7.94 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and a 7/4 K/BB ratio across 5 2/3 innings. He’ll attempt to get himself right at Triple-A Louisville before getting an opportunity to contribute to the Reds’ bullpen.

Lambert comes as a bit of a surprise, as he had looked sharp during Grapefruit League play. He should get an opportunity to work out of the Mets’ bullpen at some point in 2026. Edwards will continue to work as a starter at Triple-A Syracuse where he adds quality rotation depth that will be needed throughout the season.

Crawford has been battling a minor shoulder injury. The team has opted to take a cautious approach rather than rushing him back and risking further injury. The 31-year-old shortstop is confident that he’ll be ready and in the Mariners’ lineup on Opening Day.

We’re not so sure Mack isn’t the Marlins’ best option behind the plate right now, but the team is committed to Agustín Ramírez for the moment and Liam Hicks will stick as the backup. Mack, who is the team’s best defensive catcher, went 3-for-24 with a homer this spring.